Introduction
Siddhithumka Tea Producer Cooperative Society Ltd. was established with the goal of promoting commercial tea farming, producing seedlings, processing harvested tea, and providing necessary training and improved materials to tea farmers in the Deumai-7 of Ilam district. The cooperative covers Deumai Municipality-7, focusing on uniting tea farmers and leading efforts to enhance and integrate tea farming in the region.
With the increasing number of farmers engaging in tea cultivation, the cooperative now has 43 members. It adheres to cooperative principles and values, primarily encouraging its members in tea production, collecting and trading green tea leaves from farmers, producing and marketing organic fertilizers, and processing tea to ensure quality. The cooperative also provides financial and non-financial services to improve the living standards of its members.
The cooperative was officially registered on 2064/09/26 B.S. at the Division Cooperative Office, Ilam, through the collaboration of 27 founding members. It is affiliated with the District Cooperative Federation Ltd., Ilam, the Subject-Specific District Tea Cooperative Federation Ltd., and the Central Tea Cooperative Federation Ltd., Nepal.
Vision
"Development of commercial tea farming as the foundation of the cooperative, ensuring a healthy environment and improving the economic well-being of its members."
Mission
The cooperative is committed to:
- Producing, processing, and marketing organic green tea leaves at competitive prices.
- Manufacturing organic fertilizers.
- Operating savings, loans, and other financial services.
- Enhancing the skills and capacity of members to create self-employment opportunities.
- Developing into a sustainable and long-term institution.
Objectives
The primary objective of the cooperative is to eliminate the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in tea farming, replacing them with organic fertilizers and natural plant-based pesticides to produce tea that meets international standards. In addition to tea production and expansion, the cooperative also focuses on economic and non-economic services that promote the social and economic well-being of its members. The key objectives are:
- Encouraging tea farmers within the cooperative’s working area to engage in tea cultivation.
- Making tea farming a market-oriented business through mutual cooperation and cost-effective practices.
- Promoting savings habits among members and mobilizing savings to support investment in tea farming.
- Facilitating tea production, processing, and market management for members.
Encouraging cooperative principles by distributing profits based on share value and uplifting the economic and social status of members. - Promoting self-reliance, mutual support, and financial discipline among members.
Conducting cooperative education, business, and skill-based training programs to enhance members' capabilities. - Undertaking social, cultural, and environmental conservation activities within the community.
- Operating activities related to tea farming that help members achieve their goals while ensuring their overall well-being.
Key Activities of the Cooperative
- Operating savings and loan mobilization.
- Promoting tea cultivation, production, and expansion.
- Purchasing, selling, and processing green tea leaves.
- Implementing collaborative programs with various organizations and institutions.
Through these initiatives, Siddhithumka Tea Producer Cooperative Society Ltd. is dedicated to transforming tea farming into a sustainable and profitable sector while uplifting the lives of its members and contributing to the broader agricultural economy.